Greece: Currency

Euro has been the official currency of Greece since January 1st 2002. Greece is one of the 12 members of the Economic Monetary Union (EMU), which introduced Euro as their common currency (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain).

Tourists can obtain Euros, or exchange their home currency with Euro through any bank, ATM machines or exchange offices. You can check the current exchange rate here, but be sure to check back closer to your departure date because the rates can change often. Most American ATM and credit cards will work fine in Greece, however most American banks will charge a conversion fee for each transaction and those can get pretty pricey after a few transactions. Travelers' cheques may be the way to go!

Do you think it would be easier for travel and international businesses if all countries converted to the Euro? Why or why not?